Requisition Id 16137

Overview:

We are seeking an information specialist who will develop technical communication materials for research emanating from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Biological and Environmental Research (BER) program. This position resides in the BER Information Systems Group in the Biosciences Division, Biological and Environmental Systems Science Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The successful candidate will write, edit, design, and coordinate content for programmatic, informational, and strategic planning documents and web material describing BER research programs. These materials include scientific workshop reports, science highlights, fliers, posters, infographics, and compilations such as bibliographies and abstract books.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Organize technical information from various BER research topics into a cohesive unit and produce written material in clear language without loss of technical content.
• Oversee and coordinate efforts of teams collaborating on larger BER publications, working with the scientific community, writers, graphic artists, layout designers, DOE sponsors, website staff, and printers to ensure grammatical correctness, scientific accuracy, and professional quality.
• Perform editorial tasks ranging from document note-taking at scientific workshops, management and compilation of draft report files, version control, end-to-end editing, development of topical sidebars, incorporation of collaborator revisions and feedback, and review and proofing of near-final design files.
• Contribute value-added editing beyond style and grammar by identifying organizational flaws, considering the needs of non-expert readers, and researching science concepts to craft clearer text.
• Proofread, manage, and track the status of BER science highlights and abstracts from different sources, categorizing them by topical area and working with web staff to incorporate them into a public database.
• Establish, in consultation with BER staff and research collaborators, priorities and schedules for meeting interim and final deadlines.
• Suggest visual materials in support of scientific publications and web content, devising accompanying text and captions as needed.
• Obtain permissions and high-resolution, print-quality versions of copyrighted images for re-use in new publications, maintaining permission records and required credit line information.
• Adhere to and help guide collaborators on tone, usage, style, format, and publication standards, ensuring their consistent use within a publication and across a larger body of work.
• Work with colleagues to brainstorm ideas for new communication materials that demonstrate the value and accomplishments of BER-supported research.
• Staff BER exhibit booths at scientific meetings, engaging and informing research communities about the work and opportunities available through BER.
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service. Promote equal opportunity by fostering a respectful workplace – in how we treat one another, work together, and measure success.

Basic Qualifications:

• BS Degree in information science, journalism, science, English, or similar discipline is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in technical or science communication
• Excellent writing and editing skills are required, as is proficiency in an array of software such as Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, and Acrobat

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in information science, journalism, science, English, or similar discipline
• Some HTML skills and experience in WordPress is preferred but not required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Special Requirements:

• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

For employment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), a Real ID compliant form of identification will be required. Additionally, ORNL is subject to Department of Energy (DOE) access restrictions. All employees must also be able to obtain and maintain a federal Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card as mandated by Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which requires a favorable post-employment background investigation.

To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete and pass a Federal Tier 1 background check investigation. This investigation includes a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last year. This includes marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.

About ORNL:

As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position will remain open for a minimum of 5 days after which it will close when a qualified candidate is identified and/or hired.

We accept Word (.doc, .docx), Adobe (unsecured .pdf), Rich Text Format (.rtf), and HTML (.htm, .html) up to 5MB in size. Resumes from third party vendors will not be accepted; these resumes will be deleted and the candidates submitted will not be considered for employment.

ORNL is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. UT-Battelle is an E-Verify employer.